Taylor Fritz’s pursuit of becoming the first American men’s Grand Slam champion since 2003 came to an end in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Fritz lost to Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court after being one point away from forcing a fifth set with the defending champion.
The 27-year-old was the last US male player remaining in the draw, following Ben Shelton’s defeat in the quarter-finals to Jannik Sinner.
Both Fritz and Shelton enjoyed deep runs at Wimbledon this year, but were ultimately stopped in their tracks by the two best players in the world currently.
Their exits in SW19 mark another near-miss in the 22-year drought of American ATP players at majors.
Jack Sock says which American ATP star has the best chance of winning a major
On the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, Sock said: “I think Taylor is still the front runner there. I mean, he finalled the US Open last year.
“He is now in the semis of Wimbledon. That’s not one you can hang your hat on for him at all. I thought he played great and had his chances.
“He had the back-to-back forehands [in the fourth set], I think there was a little tightness on one and then the next one, he leaned back and shanked a forehand, which he doesn’t usually do.
But going into each slam, I think he will be the favourite American for a while.”
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton’s best results at Grand Slams so far
Fritz and Shelton have both made at least the semi-final of a Grand Slam in their careers.
Prior to his Wimbledon semi-final appearance this year, the world number five reached the final at the US Open in 2024, where he was beaten by Sinner in straight sets.
Shelton, on the other hand, has featured in the final four at Flushing Meadows in 2023 and at the Australian Open earlier this season.
Along with Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul, the two remain America’s best hope at majors in the near future.